Township Seeks Revote on Annexation

PONTIAC, MI-Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Richard Kuhn is expected to rule today on whether County Executive L. Brooks Patterson can veto an election to de-annex property between Pontiac and Bloomfield Township. Pontiac voters approved an election in September to annex 80 acres in Bloomfield to bring a $2-billion dollar development into their city.

The property would have 15-story office, hotel and apartment buildings, a large movie theater, and other commercial uses built on the site. However, the township does not want to give up the land.

David Payne, supervisor of Bloomfield Township, says the annexation proceeding initiated by the developer is a blatant attempt at circumventing established zoning ordinances with the goal of destroying the overall character and integrity of the township.

“We will fight it vigorously in all available forms,” he vows.

The township is suing just about everybody to hold onto its land. The township acquired an ally in the County Commission, overseen by Patterson. The commission approved another election for next February, one that could overturn the September annexation election. Where the prior election only counted votes from a few township residents, the new election would allow the entire township to vote on the matter. Bloomfield leaders believe they can win back the land.

However, Patterson vetoed the election plans last week. He has veto power over commission decisions.

Bloomfield officials asked Kuhn to intercede and decide whether Patterson can override the election.

Interestingly, Bloomfield had filed suit to stop the September election that allowed the land annexation.

In dismissing the suit, Circuit Judge Denise Lanford Morris said, “Judicial misgivings regarding the wisdom of legislative policy do not provide a legal foundation for overriding legislative decisions.”

Bloomfield Park, a multi-use development, was formally proposed to the township nearly two years ago. The development is composed of retail, office, residential and recreational facilities.

Bloomfield Township does not have a multi-use ordinance in their zoning laws. After working diligently with the township officials, the developer was unable to reach an agreement that would allow the development to be built and be successful.

The property is located nearly one mile north of Square Lake Road, just east of Telegraph Road, bordering Pontiac on the north and east sides. It is in the Pontiac School District.